Clemson up to No. 30 in nation
The continued progress of the university toward its Top 20 goal requires the generous support of lawmakers.

Published: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 6:00 am


Some great news greeted Clemson students and faculty at the beginning of the school year: The university had moved up the ladder from 34th last year to 30th on a U.S. News & World Report list of top public universities.

Clemson's increasing prestige is a vital tool in recruiting high-achieving students and accomplished professors. It also may help the university secure grants and other funding for projects. Ultimately, the entire state benefits as Clemson is better able to provide the research, skilled innovators and knowledgeable work force South Carolina's economy needs to thrive.

Numerous South Carolina schools are listed among the best in various categories in the annual ranking. The University of South Carolina's Moore School of Business kept its No. 1 rank as the nation's best undergraduate international business program, which it has held since 1995. USC ranked 54th among public institutions.

Furman University ranked 41st among liberal arts colleges and Wofford College ranked 57th. Furman, Clemson and USC all received recognition in the "programs to look for" grouping. Furman was recognized for undergraduate research, Clemson for writing across the curriculum and USC for its University 101 course for freshmen.

Clemson particularly has a huge stake in this annual ranking. President James Barker set a goal in 2000 for Clemson to be a Top 20 public university. For good or ill, Clemson decisions appear to be based on that overarching goal, according to news stories. Trustees always ask how proposed programs would enhance that quest. Faculty members are encouraged to discuss how any proposal might help advance the university toward its Top 20 goal.

Clemson appears to have risen in the rankings thanks to improvements in key categories, such as class size, student academic achievement and graduation rates. Last year, Clemson reported fewer classes with 50 or more students and more classes with fewer than 20 students. The graduation rate rose from 72 percent to 75 percent.

Such improvements, however, have come at a cost. Tuition has risen steadily over the past few years, putting higher education out of the reach of some students. Last year, Clemson tuition rose by 12.4 percent for in-state undergraduates. The year before, the increase was 13 percent. This year, the tuition increase slowed to 5.8 percent -- more modest but still outpacing inflation and wage growth.

The reason Clemson and USC were able to moderate the tuition increase this year is clear: state lawmakers invested more money in public universities. Clemson's progress toward a Top 20 university requires the continued and generous support of lawmakers. Educational excellence does not come cheap, and further state investment will allow Clemson to remain both top-notch and affordable for young South Carolinians.